The legendary driver, arguably the greatest of them all, died after a long illness. He was a roving ambassador for the sport and Mercedes until just a few months before his death. A man of quiet charm, a somewhat reserved, but immensely respectful, intelligent and well-turned out gentleman, he was greatly respected and feted at any event he chose to attend. Five times World Champion as well as two times Sebring 12 Hours winner, Fangio was a trained mechanic who began racing in 1934 after wanting to race the cars he had at the garage he jointly owned. Although he retired from driving competively in 1958, he often did track testing or driving at historic meetings, as well as a few special one-off races until the late 1980's.